5 Motorcycle Etiquette Rules That Separate Newbies From Pros – Jalopnik

Motorcyclists are often addicted to the adrenaline rush that comes with riding on public roads. When you pick up speed on your bike, hormones flood your bloodstream, causing a rush of pure excitement. But despite the exciting experience, you should be careful how you interact with other riders. Each seasoned rider started as a beginner, built up their riding style and picked up the do’s and don’ts that come with the culture. Over time, those lessons will sand down the beginner’s edges and teach you how to drive safely.

Experienced motorcyclists know that riding a motorcycle keeps you alert in a way that driving a car never can, because you must maintain a 360-degree view of the road at all times. You start to notice the smallest details in your environment before they turn into problems. This level of situational awareness is increased when you obey the rules of the road – all of them.

When riding a motorcycle, there are both written rules that you need to know to pass your driving test, as well as unwritten rules that you learn through experience. There is no set timeline for learning the unwritten rules because that depends on how often you ride and how often you interact with other riders. Still, a few timeless pleasantries stand out as hallmarks of a professional rider.

Over the years, some gestures among early motorcyclists evolved into universal hand signals that help keep riders in sync. Legend has it that the origins of the motorcycle wave date back to 1904, when Harley-Davidson founders William Harley and Arthur Davidson exchanged a friendly wave. It comes in many forms, but in the classic version, two fingers of the left hand are extended and pointed toward the road. Today, the two-finger motorcycle wave is shared between riders as a gesture to stay safe.

Seasoned riders make and acknowledge these gestures to build respect and camaraderie on the road. On the other hand, beginners may skip hand signals because they are still building confidence and don’t want to take their hands off the bars.

Additionally, professionals warn other riders of police checks by tapping the top of their helmet. This signal warns them to drive slower to avoid a speeding fine. However, it is worth noting that the helmet crane can have different meanings. An open palm tap on the top of the helmet can be used to show another rider that their high beams are on. Others use the same gesture instead of flashing their headlights to warn of hazards, signal a stop or point out a problem with another bike.

Novices who ignore or misuse these signals create confusion and risk endangering themselves and others. When they use a signal incorrectly, it can send the wrong message to riders behind them, causing sudden or unsafe reactions. For example, failing to turn off the turn signal after changing lanes can leave others guessing their next move, especially in heavy traffic where every second counts.

Riders’ experience is reflected not only in their movement, but also in the way they stop and park. At traffic lights, professional riders keep a few meters distance behind the bike in front of them, leaving plenty of room to move safely when it’s time to go. As soon as traffic starts moving, they maintain a safe following distance behind the rear wheel of the following rider. In contrast, newer riders often get too close or stop directly behind another bike, leaving no room to move if there is a sudden change in traffic.

Seasoned motorcyclists leave plenty of space between their motorcycles and others when parking. There is enough space so that fellow riders can get on and off their motorcycles without damaging neighboring bikes. Professional motorcyclists think ahead before getting in and only choose places where everyone can get in and out without any problems. And before they walk away, they check to make sure the ground isn’t slippery, soft or uneven, as a slight tilt could cause several bikes to fall over.

Experienced drivers make parking seem effortless. On the other hand, you can recognize the signs of inexperience in small details, such as a bicycle or a handlebar leaning against traffic. It doesn’t look reckless, but it is something every experienced rider remembers during their riding journey.

Experienced riders know that riding in a spread formation is the most effective way to keep the group organized. In this setup, riders do not line up directly behind each other, but place themselves in a zigzag pattern within the same lane. This gives every rider a clear view of the road and enough space to react if someone has to brake or swerve.

Many aspiring motorcycle riders assume that learning to ride and getting a motorcycle license is all they need to join a motorcycle community. However, just because other riders share your route doesn’t mean they’re inviting you to join them. First of all, that’s a pretty daring social faux pas. It’s like landing in the middle of a stranger’s cubicle. Shrink! Second, most group rides are planned in advance, with assigned positions and signals that keep everyone on the same page. Boarding without notice can disrupt the flow and make it harder for everyone to stay safe because group rides rely on space and communication.

Just as you wouldn’t jump into a stranger’s car without asking, you shouldn’t touch or sit on a motorcycle that isn’t yours. Motorcycle owners view their motorcycle as an extension of themselves. As a result, interfering with another rider’s motorcycle in any way can come across as pushy. If you want to try out the saddle or feel the handles of someone else’s bike, the best thing to do is admire it from a distance and wait for an opportunity to talk to the owner.

A bicycle may seem stable, but if the side stand is not unfolded properly, you can easily tip it over. And due to their weight, such a fall can cause scratches, dents or even broken parts. Repair or replacement of parts can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially for custom or vintage models. And if you damage a fellow motorcyclist’s machine, it is your responsibility. One wrong move and you have toppled someone’s pride and joy. Imagine watching your own bike hit the pavement – ​​yes, not a good sight.

Most riders are happy to let you view the features and modifications of their motorcycle. Think of it as an opportunity to discover what works well for most bikes. You can also just walk into a dealer and satisfy your curiosity by trying out different models without crossing boundaries.

Most professionals understand that responsible driving is the best measure of experience. It not only shows your control over the motorcycle, but also care for every road user. Their honed skills allow professionals to read the flow of vehicles, exercise more patience in traffic and anticipate what others might do instead of pushing their way ahead.

In neighborhoods and busy streets, the pace of traffic sometimes changes without warning. That’s why reading body language, such as a pedestrian hesitating on the sidewalk or a motorist slowly stepping forward, is just as important as road signs. Good riders use these slower zones to practice smooth clutch operation and precise braking, as these skills build confidence for demanding conditions.

Such restraint may not be shared by novices as they weave between cars or speed past slower drivers. Newer riders in these situations often misjudge distances or overestimate how quickly they can react in tight spaces. Some may slide too closely between vehicles without realizing how little room they have when a car changes lanes. Others may accelerate to overtake without signaling or checking blind spots, leaving them vulnerable to sudden movements from nearby drivers. These mistakes, made out of excitement or impatience, can easily endanger other road users.